Soap pouch for wrist-hugging mitt

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for washing the skin of a person, an animal, a pet, a car, and an object includes a wrist-hugging mitt having an opening for insertion of a hand of the person. A pocket is attached internally to a palm side of the mitt. The pocket has an open end to receive a bar of soap therein. The pocket will disperse some of the soap therefrom to wash the skin of the person. Additionally, the mitt can contain a thumb sheath. Optionally, the mitt is replaced with a washcloth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/252,035, filed on Oct. 10, 2009, in the United States Patent & Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning system, and more particularly, an apparatus for washing the skin of a person.

The present invention provides consumers with a convenient way to wash their face or body using a bar of soap. The apparatus is available in three embodiments that include a mitt, a mitt with a thumb sheath, and a washcloth. Each embodiment has a pocket incorporated into it where users can simply place a bar of soap within the pocket and wash as they usually do. As bathing water moistens the bar of soap to produce a rich lather sure to make users of any age feel pampered and clean. The present invention makes the bar of soap last longer and prevents users from dropping it where it can collect hair or other uncleanly objects.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Everyone has had the unfortunate experience where they have the warm water running to wash their face or body and then pick up a bar of soap to find that it has several unsightly hairs stuck to it. This happens because the bar of soap is uncovered and left exposed to collect dust, dirt and hair. A cleaner option is needed.

Numerous innovations for bathing devices have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.

A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 2,210,754, Issued on Aug. 6, 1940, to Frank teaches in a bath mitt, a compartment adapted for the insertion of the hand, the compartment having one wall thereof of material impervious to water, a water pervious layer of fabric overlying the impervious wall so as to form therewith a second compartment having an opening, a closure for the opening and a pocket of water pervious material adapted to receive soap, the pocket being permanently closed except on one end thereof and the portions surrounding the open end of the pocket being secured to the portions of the second compartment surrounding the opening therein, whereby the pocket may be pulled out of the compartment for cleaning or other purposes.

A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,452, Issued on Aug. 31, 1976, to Wright teaches a locking case of foldable material into which any of a wide variety of articles can be encapsulated. The case is equipped with a mouth or opening, but instead of this opening leading directly into the interior of the case, it leads instead into an inlet of tortuous configuration, which serves to prevent loss or dislodgement of items that have been placed in the interior of the case by following a novel encapsulation procedure. This procedure involves the case being turned inside-out for a number of times in one direction, such as three times, and then after placement of the item adjacent one side of the case, the case is turned inside-out in the other direction until such time as a plurality of layers of the material are caused to be disposed on each side of the encapsulated item. Advantageously, no fasteners of any kind are involved in making the encapsulated item or items secure against dislodgment.

A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,542, Issued on May 15, 1979, to Rasmussen teaches a shower mitt with two flat sheets of terry cloth double-seamed together around the outline edge to provide a hand-receiving pocket in which there is an elastic band to provide wrist-hugging. A pair of loops is stitched into the seam between the flat sheets. A wide mesh sheet of nylon net is attached around its edges to the outer face of one sheet to provide a fully enclosed soap-retaining pocket, in which an opening is cut through the sheet and a zipper placed therein, so that it may be opened for putting soap into the soap-retaining pocket and then closed.

A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,378, Issued on Oct. 31, 1995, to Webb teaches a tubular elastic cloth cut into predetermined lengths and stitched together at a closed end forming an internal pocket in a manner similar to that of a conventional sock. An open end of the internal pocket includes an elastic band stitched about the perimeter of the open end which contracts to retain the bar of soap after it has been inserted into the washcloth. Embedded in the elastic band at regular intervals are a plurality of retaining ridges which are a washcloth adapted for retaining a bar of soap for use in the bath or shower. The washcloth is fabricated from a continuous, disposed inwardly and elastomerically biased to contact the end surface of the bar of soap thereby retaining it within the washcloth. A pair of pull rings are attached to the elastic band and function as finger holds for leverage when inserting the bar of soap into the washcloth. The washcloth contracts to conform to the bar of soap as it is dispensed and used up thereby reducing soap wastage.

A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,064, Issued on Jan. 23, 1996, to Schulte teaches a soap grip to prevent dropping the soap when bathing. This is affected by sandwiching a soap bar between two or more pieces of cloth, preferably a polyester felt. The polyester felt is sewn or heat sealed together near the center in a U-shaped pocket with one end open to receive the soap bar leaving flaps at the outside of the pocket. The perimeter of the outwardly extending flaps of the soap grip is not sewn to allow more efficient soap flow through the material. The polyester felt around the soap bar provides a good grip, prevents dropping and is soft, stretchable and drapeable. This cloth allows a good flow through the thickness even when under pressure. In use, the soap grip retains the bar of soap as it is used up and ensures that 100% of the soap bar is employed thereby preventing waste.

A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,723, Issued on Jan. 6, 1998, to Salisian teaches a dispensing device for releasing a liquid active material such as soap or other active formulation in the form of a concentrate. The dispensing device includes a foam-like outer cover that encloses a pouch which has a membrane allowing the material to transfer to the cover at a selected rate. The rate is determined by the type of material used for the membrane and the size and number of pores in it, allowing the liquid through at a desired rate. The rate is further determined by the amount of external squeeze pressure applied to the device. The pouch is refilled by a sack containing the concentrate. The sack also contains small holes or pores for ejecting the concentrate when pressure is applied. Because the pores in the sack face away from the pores of the pouch, the concentrate has time and space to mix with water to form a diluted mixture desired for washing.

A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,234, Issued on Aug. 8, 2000, to Jackson, Jr. teaches a cleaning system that is convenient and efficient. The cleaning system includes a glove assembly, a wash cloth assembly, and a buffer cloth assembly. The glove assembly includes a cloth glove shell with an elastic wrist band, six hook and pile scrubber fastening sections, six detachable scrub sections, an elongated accessory hook and pile fastener strip secured to the palm area of the glove shell, and a glove assembly soap receiving compartment within the glove shell that is accessible through an access opening formed through an interior palm surface of the glove shell and having a hook and pile closure sealing flap for sealing the access opening.

AN EIGHTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,443, Issued on Jun. 4, 2002, to Barela teaches a bathing glove for more efficiently and comfortably washing a body. The bathing glove includes a body member designed for receiving a hand of a user with a pocket portion. The pocket portion has an aperture designed for holding a bar of soap. The pocket portion is designed for positioning the bar of soap adjacent the palm of the hand.

A NINTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No . 6,998,373, Issued on Feb. 14, 2002, to Faines, Jr. et al. teaches a Soap retaining pouch that is approximately five inches tall by three and one half inches wide. The pouch is made of polyester screening having a thread count of approximately fourteen lines per inch or one hundred and ninety six squares per square inch. An elastic band is centrally attached to the outside of the pouch at the right and left edge of the pouch's width. The pouch is closable at one end by a water resistant zipper. The pouch includes an over flap that covers the zipper so that the zipper is not exposed to the user's skin during use.

A TENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2006/0288954, published on Dec. 28, 2006, to Graumstadt teaches a dispensing wash mitt for pets or humans which includes a hand receiving mitt having a top side and a mitt palm side providing a finger receiving cavity. A mitt scrubbing member is attached to the mitt palm side, the mitt scrubbing member having a plurality of holes disposed from one side of the mitt scrubbing member to the other side. The mitt scrubbing member, when attached to the mitt palm side, defines a pocket which receives a replaceable cartridge that is selectively insertable into the pocket for dispensing shampoo or other material through the holes in the scrubbing member for application to the pet or human.

It is apparent now that numerous innovations for bathing devices have been provided in the prior art that are adequate for various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing the skin of a person that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing the skin of a person that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing the skin of a person that is simple to use.

BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for washing the skin of a person which comprises a mitt having an opening for insertion of a hand of the person. A pocket is attached to a palm side of the mitt. The pocket has an open end to receive a bar of soap therein. The pocket will disperse some of the soap therefrom to wash the skin of the person, an animal, a pet or a car. In a second embodiment the mitt contains a thumb sheath. In a third embodiment the mitt is replaced with a washcloth.

The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The figures of the drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention being used by a person;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the first embodiment, showing a bar of soap being inserted into a pocket;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment, showing the bar of soap retained within the pocket;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING First Embodiment

-   110 apparatus -   112 skin of person 114 -   114 person -   116 mitt of apparatus 110 -   118 opening in mitt 116 -   120 hand of person 114 -   122 pocket of apparatus 110 -   124 palm side of mitt 116 -   126 open end of pocket 122 -   128 bar of soap -   130 terry cloth material -   132 elastic band of mitt 116 -   134 elastic member of pocket 122

Second Embodiment

-   210 apparatus -   216 mitt of apparatus 210 -   218 opening in mitt 216 -   222 pocket of apparatus 210 -   224 palm side of mitt 216 -   226 open end of pocket 222 -   232 elastic band of mitt 216 -   234 elastic member of pocket 222 -   236 thumb sheath on one side 238 -   238 one side of mitt 216

Third Embodiment

-   310 apparatus -   316 washcloth of apparatus 310 -   322 pocket of apparatus 310 -   324 one surface of washcloth 316 -   326 open end of pocket 322 -   334 elastic member of pocket 322

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

A first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus 110 for washing the skin 112 of a person 114 which comprises a mitt 116 having an opening 118 for insertion of a hand 120 of the person 114. A pocket (or a pouch) 122 is attached to a palm side 124 of the mitt 116. The pocket (or a pouch) 122 has an open end 126 to receive a bar of soap 128 therein. The pocket (or a pouch) 122 will disperse some of the soap therefrom to wash the skin 112 of the person 114 (or for an animal, a pet, a car or an object). The mitt 116 also has an outer decorative layer.

The mitt 116 and the pocket (or a pouch) 122 are both comprised out of a terry cloth material 130 (or soft micro-fiber material, filaments of cotton, porous fabric, polyester and/or polyimide). The terry cloth material 130 is soft, suitable for washing, dryable, and easily conforms to different contours. Terry cloth material 130 is also a highly efficient permeable bleeder and breather permitting the passage of soapy water throughout the pockets (or a pouch) 122. The use of terry cloth 130, or other mildly abrasive material, also generates a bubbling foaming action on the bar of soap 128 or soap slivers when the pocket or pouch 122 is rubbed or squeezed while wet during use of the mitt 116. The pocket 122 can have the size 1.5 inches×2.0 inches.

The mitt 116 comprises an elastic band 132 affixed about the opening 118 to provide a wrist-hugging and elastically enlargeable entrance to the mitt 116. The pocket 122 comprises an elastic member 134 formed at the open end 126 to retain the bar of soap 128 when placed within the pocket 122. A second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, is an apparatus 210, similar to apparatus 110, wherein the mitt 216 further comprises a thumb sheath 236 formed on one side 238 thereof.

A third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, is an apparatus 310 for washing the skin 112 of the person 114 which comprises a washcloth 316 sized to be held by the hand 120 of the person 114. A pocket 322 is attached to one surface 324 of the washcloth 316. The pocket 322 has an open end 326 to receive the bar of soap 128 therein. The pocket 322 will disperse some of the soap therefrom to wash the skin 112 of the person 114 (or for an animal, a pet, a car or an object). The washcloth 316 and the pocket 322 are both comprised out of the terry cloth material 130. The pocket 322 comprises an elastic member 334 formed at the open end 326 to retain the bar of soap 128 when placed within the pocket 322.

In summary the present invention is available in three different embodiments, that include the apparatus 110 with the mitt 116, the apparatus 210 with the mitt 216 having the thumb sheath 236 and the apparatus 310 with the washcloth 316. The terry cloth material 130 or other suitable soft, durable material may be used to construct all of the three embodiments. The mitts 116, 216 are comprised with the elastic bands 132, 232 that secure the mitts 116, 216 around the wrist of the person 114. The elastic members 134, 234, on the pockets 122, 222 may be sewn onto the palm sides 124, 224 of the mitts 116, 216 where the person 114 could insert the bar of soap 128. The mitts 116, 216 measure approximately ten inches by ten inches. The washcloth 316 is rectangular in shape, similar to that of a standard hand towel. It also contains the pocket 322 sewn to one surface 324. It measures approximately four inches by two and three quarter inches. All versions of the present invention may be available in a variety of colors or patterns in accordance with user preferences. Specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodiments of an apparatus for washing the skin of a person, accordingly it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

1. An apparatus for washing the skin of a person, an animal, a pet, a car, and an object which comprises: a) a mitt having an opening for insertion of a hand of the person; and b) a pocket attached internally to a palm side of the mitt, the pocket having an open end to receive a bar of soap therein, wherein the pocket will disperse some of the soap therefrom to wash the skin of the person, wherein the pocket can have the size 1.5 inches×2.0 inches.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the mitt and the pocket are both comprised out of a terry cloth material in order to make bubbling foaming action.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the mitt comprises an elastic band affixed about the opening to provide a wrist-hugging and elastically enlargeable entrance to the mitt.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the pocket comprises an elastic member formed at the open end to retain the bar of soap when placed within the pocket.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the mitt further comprises a thumb sheath formed on one side thereof.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the mitt further has an outer decorative layer.
 7. An apparatus for washing the skin of a person, an animal, a pet, a car, and an object which comprises: a) a washcloth sized to be held by a hand of the person; and b) a pocket attached to one surface of the washcloth, the pocket having an open end to receive a bar of soap therein, wherein the pocket will disperse some of the soap therefrom to wash the skin of the person.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the washcloth and the pocket are both comprises out of a terry cloth material in order to make bubbling foaming action.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the open end of the pocket comprises an elastic member formed therein to retain the bar of soap when placed within the pocket. 